A patient who has returned from surgery for a total gastrectomy has a nasogastric tube that is hooked to low intermittent suction. The patient begins to vomit bright red blood. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for the nurse to take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Turning the patient onto his or her side will prevent aspiration of blood and protect the patient's airway. Increasing the intravenous rate or administering oxygen may be necessary, but the priority is to protect the airway. Irrigating the nasogastric tube may cause further bleeding and should not be done without a physician's order.

A Patient Who Has Returned from Surgery for a Total